In the regions where cereal grains originate, you’d be hard-pressed to find wild wheat without barley growing alongside it. This is hardly surprising — grain mixtures (i.e. maslins) can use resources more efficiently, better tolerate changing climates, and minimize the impact of pests or pathogens.
For grain farmers wishing to transition to organic practices but unable to bear the short-term risks of doing so, maslins could offer the peace-of-mind needed to finally make the leap. In this discussion, Dr. Alex McAlvay will overview the numerous benefits of maslins for grain growers and best practices for implementing this cropping system in your fields.
About The Presenter
Dr. Alex McAlvay is a Research Scientist in the International Plant Science Center at New York Botanical Garden. His research is focused on understanding the relationships between humans and their environments, the evolutionary and ecological impacts of humans on plants, and the traditional stewardship of plants by cultures. His work includes projects in Mexico, Ethiopia, the United States, and elsewhere with a focus on food sovereignty, agro-biodiversity, and the continuity and revitalization of traditions related to plants. He obtained a B.S. from Western Washington University, a Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed a postdoc at Cornell University before starting at NYBG.
This discussion is part of our ongoing Transition to Organic Partnership Program work alongside the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Maine Grain Alliance.Â
